HC Deb 22 July 1924 vol 176 cc1116-7
62. Mrs. WINTRINGHAM

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to make it compulsory on railway companies to provide carriages reserved for women on all their trains?

Mr. GOSLING

I do not think that legislation to the effect suggested is necessary, but I should be glad to discuss the matter with the hon. Member. If I am furnished with particulars of any cases in which it is considered that railway companies have declined to meet reasonable demands for the provision of accommodation reserved for women, I will bring them to the notice of the companies concerned.

Mrs. WINTRINGHAM

Does not the hon. Gentleman recognise that this is quite as important as making provision compulsory for smokers?

Mr. STURROCK

Is it not very frequently the case that smoking carriages are almost exclusively occupied by women?

Mrs. WINTRINGHAM

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that probably if carriages for women were provided, women would not require to be in smoking carriages?

Mr. BECKER

Can the hon. Gentleman provide carriages reserved for men only?